Letters From Parris Island 9

Father

Posted By: Carl Andrews 09-15-11

(One of a series of articles about the rigors of Marine Corps Boot Camp based on letters we received from our daughter while she was at Parris Island on her way to earning the title of United States Marine.)

This letter from Marine recruit Andrews had some great news!

“Dear Mom and Dad”

“Hello from your CSW-3 (Combat Water Survival) and Tan Belt for MCMAP (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program) certified daughter. We had to take the Swim test to become qualified for CSW-4 which included swimming with cammies, jumping off of a 10 ft. platform (they push you off), blowing up your cammies (allowing them to fill with air) and floating for five minutes.

CSW-3 was swimming in cammies and boots, back crawl with kevlar, flak jacket, pack and rifle in shallow and deep water and jumping off of a smaller platform, taking off the pack and side-crawling to the other end.

The Tan belt test wasn’t really all that difficult, but I made sure to put myself in the back row so that I could watch others execute the movements first.

If I want to put in for Marine Security, I’ll have to go up in belts (green, brown, black, instructor) so that i can kick more ass, LOL!

For the second time I won my bout of Pugil sticks.

We have initial drill on Tuesday, and if we win we get to carry the series Guidon until we leave for the rifle range. Right now the other platoon has it, hopefully we win.

The way that I look at Boot Camp is just to accomplish what I need to in order to graduate, and then i can move on from there. I passed the Swimming and CWS Qualification, and became MCMAP certified.

I’m still facing the Rifle range, PFT and CFT (Physical and Combat Fitness tests), the Crucilbe, and the final inspection. There is probably more, but I am trying very hard to take things day-by-day.

Only 8 more Sundays to go!

Our Senior Drill Instructor, the one that “saves” us from the DI’s told me that I am a good recruit, which of course is uplifting.

We can get packages, but they can only be things that we need, like envelopes, stamps, highlighters, pens, etc. One girl got sent a box of candy, the DI’s took it form her, they didn’t make her eat it and I don’t think that she got quarterdecked for it.

I have to go press my cammies and get ready for Church (I’ve gone to Church every Sunday.)

Only 46 more training days!!

I LOVE YOU!

P.S. Send a picture of just me from my college graduation, we are making a motivational table.

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